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The Labour Party of New Westphalia (DE: Arbeiterpartei, FR: Parti Travailliste, ES: Partido del Trabajo, GD: Pàrtaidh Làbarach) (commonly referred to as the Labour Party or simply Labour) is the largest and oldest political party in the Republic of New Westphalia. Founded on the 16 May 2011 as the Strathan Communist Party, it is currently the only Left-wing political party in New Westphalia. It was founded by James Whittle when he was still the People's Commissar of Strathy upon its declaration of independence on the same date.

Labour have sought, since its foundation, to make New Westphalia a worldwide beacon for social progress and equality. It is the belief of the Labour Party that this can only be achieved through Labour policies, which sit on the left wing of the political spectrum. Currently the Labour Party hold four out of nine seats in the New Westphalian Assembly and they are hoping to push for a majority at the next general election. Their current election motto is "Progress and Prosperity".

Contents

Policies

The Labour Party are a centre-left to left-wing party with policies based on the ideas of a social democracy. The policies of the Labour Party are generally modelled around traditional British labour values, predominantly Scottish labour values (not to be confused with those of the Labour Party in Scotland). Most notable is their support of Clause IV of the 1918 Labour Party Constitution.

"To secure for the workers by hand or by brain the full fruits of their industry and the most equitable distribution thereof that may be possible upon the basis of the common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange, and the best obtainable system of popular administration and control of each industry or service."

In the current Labour Election Manifesto, several pledges are made for the upcoming 2014 General Election which are mainly aimed around the continued building of New Westphalian infrastructure and basic constitutional law such as; the formation of a formal education system and university, an equal rights bill laying down the rights of citizens and defining discriminatory crimes, and an environmental responsibility bill. They have also pledged to lay down the foundations for a militia to respond to national crises and a navy to allow for connection between islands within the Republic's territory.

In general the Labour Party advocate the public ownership of services and means of production, the formation of extensive workers rights, progressive taxation, as well as individual rights and freedoms.

Taxation

Like the NCP, the Labour Party realises that New Westphalia is currently too small to realistically tax citizens. Labour are currently in favour of the NCP proposal of allowing individuals to make contributions to New Westphalia, either by donation for a specific cause or purpose or to the government in general. It does also recognise that current citizens already donate much of their resources and time to New Westphalia and sees no need to push for donations at this time.

Local Government

At present it is the belief of the Labour Party that to introduce local administrations would be counter-productive. They believe that New Westphalia is currently too small and that to devolve power to areas where there are even fewer people, or in some cases no people at all, would do very little other than to destabilise the young nation. Labour's leader, Rev. Whittle, has said that; "Currently New Westphalia is so small, and its society so close-knit, that we function much as a local authority as well as a nation. To deliver more powers over legislation would to be to hand over legislative powers to individuals and risk destabilising all that we have built here. There will be a time for local government and devolution of powers, but for now we have more important matters to concern ourselves with - such as building our nation to the point where it can support such an endeavour."

2014 Election Platform

On 20 August 2014, Labour released their official election platform for 2014 General Election. Included where five new proposed bills along with promises for increased citizen numbers, greater diplomatic integration with the international community, and incentives for recycling and green energy use.

Representation in New Westphalian Politics

Currently the Labour Party are represented in all branches of New Westphalian politics, with members in the Assembly, a Labour led government, and a strong labour movement outside the government itself.

Labour in the Assembly

Labour currently hold four of the nine seats in the New Westphalian Assembly, making them the largest political group. The Labour Leadership have made it their goal to obtain a majority of seats in the Assembly at the 2014 General Election.

Labour in Government

Labour currently lead the Provisional Government, which is an unofficial coalition of Labour, National and the NCP. During this time they have passed five items of legislation including the formation of a state owned bank. Labour hold three of the five positions in the Chancellery; Chancellor of the Assembly (Rev. Whittle), Chancellor of State for Home Affairs (Mr. Schreiber), and Chancellor of State for Finance (Mr. Lowenberg).